The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) rose by 0.83% at market close on Thursday, November 21, 2024, as defense stocks gained momentum amid geopolitical tensions and increased defense funding. The recent escalation in the war, as reported by Barron's, has heightened demand for defense capabilities, boosting investor interest in the sector. Additionally, the U.S. administration's improved defense funding, as highlighted by Janes, is expected to benefit aerospace-defense companies, particularly those engaged in combat space. The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations' approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Act, which provides $852.2 billion in total funding, reflects a 3.3% increase over the previous fiscal year, further supporting the sector's growth prospects.